SG Eats 2017 by SG Magazine

EDITOR’S NOTE

nother year, another avalanche of new dining and drinking developments in Singapore to keep track of. The past 12 months have been particularly exciting: Michelin honored our hawkers, Japanese food enclaves became a serious thing, craft beers went on and on and Asian-leaning cocktails became a popular creative pursuit among our bartenders. That’s why you need this guide.

WHO’S IN CHARGE Managing Director

Jane Bay

countrymanager@asia-city.com.sg EDITORIAL

Putting together SG Eats is always a fun challenge. Whereas our annual Top Tables guide focuses on the enduring classics, the $500 degustations and the serious gastronomy, SG Eats comes fast and loose—we look at the big trends in casual dining and drinking, the new places that really delighted us and set off a chain reaction among similar establishments, and the places we and thousands of others Instagrammed the hell out of. The result is an overview of what eating and drinking out in Singapore is about these days. We hope the pages that follow will make you go “That’s so true!”— before you pick up the phone to text your friends and make plans.

Managing Editor

Mrigaa Sethi

editor@asia-city.com.sg

Web Editor

Adam Kerr Junior Reporter

Shi Ting Tay DESIGN

Guide Designer

Carmen Chua Multimedia Designer

Jen C. Loo

ADVERTISING

Enjoy!

Media Manager

Shida Ramli

Media Executive

Shahrizal Hamzah MARKETING

PRICE GUIDE

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marketing@asia-city.com.sg

$ $$ $$$ $$$$ $$$$$

Under $40 $40-80 $80-120 $120-200 $200 and up

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Rusydi Ya’akup

Price per person, including one drink, appetizer, main course and dessert. Prices do not include bottles of wine.

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Chief Executive Officer NEW

Greg Duncan

First appearance in SG Eats

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CONTENTS 6 ASIAN-INSPIRED COCKTAILS

12 BUFFET

8 BBQ

9 BEACH BARS

10 BRUNCH

13 BURGERS 15 HALAL 14 DELIVERY

16 HEALTHY LUNCHES

20 JAPANESE ENCLAVES

18 HIPSTER HAWKER

19 ICE CREAM

21 LOCAL LEGENDS

24 RAMEN

22 MEXICAN

23 PERANAKAN

25-26 INDEX

| SG EATS 2017

ASIAN-INSPIRED COCKTAILS

Homegrown highs

LUCKY BAR 243 HOLLAND AVE., 6208-6845, WWW. FACEBOOK.COM/LUCKYBAR.SG. $ Full of Luck Club has added a secret little rooftop bar. Concocted by Darren Lim, drinks include the curious Dragon’s Breath, a blend of High West Campfire whisky and mezcal, with goji and wintermelon syrup. Also get the braised pork belly bao from downstairs.

NATIVE 52A AMOY ST., 8869-6520, WWW.TRIBENATIVE.COM. $ AH SAM COLD DRINK STALL

Despite being a world-class cocktail nation, there had historically only been a couple of bars treating Asian ingredients seriously in mixology. That started changing over the past year or two, and now over a halfdozen cocktail bars have made it their calling card, resulting in better, more creative tipples for us, as well as more than a passing nod to the history and stories behind them. Most also come with Asian-fusion bar bites—a big plus.

AH SAM COLD DRINK STALL 60A BOAT QUAY, 6535-0838, WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ AHSAMCOLDDRINKSTALL. $$ This bar is great with classics like the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan, but they truly shine when bringing Asian flavors into their concoctions, some even served in teacups. Sip them alongside local eats like Hokkien mee and char kway teow.

BITTERS & LOVE 118 TELOK AYER ST., 6438-1836, WWW.BITTERSANDLOVE.COM. $ Naz Arjuna whips up some locallyinspired cocktails such as Ancient Orchard, made with small batch geranium gin, Tio Pepe cordial and Peychaud’s bitters. Get their addictive truffle chips.

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Famed for its signature cocktail involving ants, Native is a cool bar with a focus not on exhaustive spirits lists, but rather individually sourced sakes, whiskies, gins and arracks from around Asia. This includes lots of locally foraged ingredients and some inventive mixology.

NATIVE

NUTMEG & CLOVE 10A ANN SIANG HILL, 9389-9301, WWW.NUTMEGANDCLOVE.COM.SG. $ A pioneer in the Asian cocktail thing, Nutmeg & Clove’s menu channels five eras of Singapore’s history. Order up the Barrel Aged SG Sling (gin, sandalwood infusion, orange liquor, DOM, cherry liquor, hibiscus, pineapple and bitters).

LUCKY BAR

PHAT CAT LAUNDRY 4 JIAK CHUAN RD., 6221-8262, WWW.PHATCATLAUNDRY.COM. $-$$ Fashioned after a Chinese laundry shop, it has detergent boxes on the wall, washing machines and a drawing of a cute cat. Cocktails include the Teh Botol, spiked with red tea rum, and the purple, ginbased Andy Lau. Try the prawn egg rolls.

RED TAIL 3C RIVER VALLEY RD., 6738-2988, WWW.REDTAILBAR.COM. $-$$$ The drinks list at Zouk’s cocktail bar is divided by the names of Asian hoods like Lan Kwai Fong in Hong Kong and KL’s The Row, most with subtle tropical touches that go great with fusion bar bites like Scotch century eggs.

NUTMEG & CLOVE

THE WAREHOUSE 320 HAVELOCK RD., 6828-0000, WWW.THEWAREHOUSEHOTEL.COM. Easily the sexiest hotel lobby bar in town, the one at The Warehouse pays tribute to the storied history of the building (a godown, an illegal distillery, a club) in its signature cocktail menu. Try the Singapore Sazerac, with raisin-infused bourbon and pandan bitters.

THE WAREHOUSE

BBQ

Meat and char – what’s not to love?

brisket beans, mac and cheese and kale salad. Get a craft beer to go with.

FAT PRINCE

NEW

48 PECK SEAH ST., 6221-3683, WWW.FATPRINCESG.COM. $$-$$$ The people who brought you Neon Pigeon draw on Imperial Istanbul for Fat Prince, with its arabesque mosaics and low-hanging lamps. Choose from 10 types of “taco sized” kebabs, like the spicy beef and the modern duck and pistachio kofte.

ISKINA CEBU DECKER BARBECUE

Last year was all about American smokehouse places. Decker and Red Eye Smokehouse opened in quick succession, followed by Camp Kilo Charcoal Club. Since then, the grilled meat scene has diversified, expanding to include Turkish kebabs at Fat Prince as well as crispy lechon at Iskina Cebu. And with Dave Pynt’s Burnt Ends entering the top 10 at Asia’s 50 Best, barbecue in 2017 has gotten not just ethnically diverse, but also a little bit fancy.

CAMP KILO CHARCOAL CLUB

NEW

Camp Kilo is all about chill vibes in the great outdoors. Grab a picnic table, head to the window and order things like Thaistyle roast chicken, chipotle ribs, lechon and excellent sides like pomelo and mango salad. Pair with potent punch.

DECKER BARBECUE #01-17 THE QUAYSIDE, 60 ROBERTSON QUAY, 6635-8565, WWW.FACEBOOK. COM/DECKERBARBECUE. $$ Decker is a gem, with string lights, picnic tables, a back-lit menu and a giant smoker in the back. The menu highlight is the beef brisket of course and tender pulled pork. The sides are equally all-American:

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FAT PRINCE

This proudly Cebuano stall previously operating at a Paya Lebar coffee shop serves incredible lechon de cebu (roasted pork), spicy belly chon (slow-roasted pork belly) and inasal manok (grilled chicken).

MEAT SMITH 167 TELOK AYER ST., 6221-2262, WWW.MEATSMITH.COM.SG. $$-$$$ This American smokehouse has plenty of classy touches, like chicken liver parfait and the taramasalata. The stars are the brisket, the Memphis dry rub pork spare ribs and the smoked suckling pig. Wash it down with their barrel-aged cocktails.

RED EYE SMOKEHOUSE

RED EYE SMOKEHOUSE 1 CAVAN RD., 6291-0218, WWW.FACE BOOK.COM/REDEYESMOKE. $$ With high ceilings, concrete floors and simple wooden tables Red Eye’s decor is as no-frills as the food: order at the counter classics like juicy brisket, sausage and wings, and some new additions like brisket tacos. Try the Mezcal Mule, too.

SALTED & HUNG

#01-01 66 KAMPONG BUGIS, 6467-3987, WWW.KILOKITCHEN.COM. $$

NEW

#01-27 73A AYER RAJAH CRES., 93262920, WWW.ISKINACEBU.COM.SG. $

NEW

12 PURVIS ST., 6358-3130, WWW.SALTEDANDHUNG.COM.SG. $$$ With prevalent char flavors and Japanese influences, many dishes here are made on the Josper grill, such as the hamachi collar and the suckling pig, stuffed with chorizo and carabinero. The sides are great, too, as are the Australian craft beers.

SKIRT

SPONSORED

#01-09/10 ORCHARD CENTRAL, 181 ORCHARD RD., 6509-7708, WWW.DEANANDDELUCA.SG Orchard Road’s brunch options are often mobbed, so we like the high ceilings and sun-drenched spaciousness of the Dean & Deluca branch here—not to mention the all-day breakfast options like eggs Iberico, smoked salmon eggs Benedict and the Belgian waffle stack. If you’re keeping it healthy, try the seaweed and soba salad. There are branches at Hillview Rise and Pekin Street, too.

THE LOKAL

ORIOLE COFFEE + BAR

136 NEIL RD., 6423-9918, WWW.THELOKALSINGAPORE.COM. $ Our favorite thing about brunch here is the Pimp My Brunch option, where you can load up your toast with things like smoked mackerel, grilled sausage, wilted spinach and homemade ricotta. Their kale salads, toasted banana bread and pulled pork with kimchi are great, too.

MORSELS #01-04 25 DEMPSEY RD., 6266-3822, WWW.MORSELS.COM.SG. $$

ARTICHOKE 161 MIDDLE RD., 6336-6949, WWW.ARTICHOKE.COM.SG. $$ For a Mediterranean brunch, look no further than tender-hearted frat boy Bjorn Shen’s Artichoke. We’ll gladly queue up outside the gate at 10:45am (or make a reservation) for the cauliflower sabbich with smoked egg, and the crazy lamb shakshouka with green chili harissa.

COMMON MAN COFFEE ROASTERS #01-00 22 MARTIN RD., 6836-4695, WWW.COMMONMANCOFFEEROAST ERS.COM. $$

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Run by chef-owner Petrina Loh, this Kinfolk-esque 40-seater serves oohworthy fusion. The stars of the menu are the smorrebrod open-faced sandwiches, with topping options like pickled mackerel with burrata and pickled beets; and tiger prawns with green harissa aioli egg salad.

DEAN & DELUCA

OPEN DOOR POLICY 19 YONG SIAK ST., 6221-9307, WWW.ODPSINGAPORE.COM. $$$ Now boldly gluten- and dairy-free, ODP’s new brunch serves chorizo poached egg, and spiced avocado king prawn with pita bread and a sunny side up egg. Save your stomach for French toast paired with agave-poached berries and soy ice cream.

COMMON MAN COFFEE ROASTERS

RUSTIC ITALIAN DISHES

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BUFFET

Eyes bigger than your stomach? No problem.

dazzling seven-kitchen spread that also comes with a cocktail cart. The regular lunch buffet happens Mon-Sat, and the dinner happens every day. Splurge on the vintage Champagne brunch on Sundays.

EDGE 3/F PAN PACIFIC SINGAPORE, 7 RAFFLES BLVD., 6826-8240, WWW.PANPACIFIC.COM. $$$

THE LINE

No guide to casual dining in Singapore would be complete without a salute to that time-honored overeating tradition—the hotel buffet. Enduring stalwarts and decadent Champagne brunches aside, we’re pleased to see how many places are giving due attention to Asian, Singaporean and Peranakan highlights these days.

BASILICO 2/F THE REGENT SINGAPORE, 1 CUSCADEN RD., 6725-3232, WWW.REGENTHOTELS.COM. $$ Try not to fill up at the salame, tomato and mozzarella bars, and save room for the pizzas, pastas and meat carving stations. The buffet lunch happens every weekend, and there are prosecco and Champagne extravaganzas on weekends.

CAROUSEL ROYAL PLAZA ON SCOTTS, 25 SCOTTS RD., 6589-7799, WWW. CAROUSELBUFFET.COM.SG. $$-$$$ It’s hard to believe that such an extensive buffet is halal-certified. Dig in and load up on their Japanese, Mediterranean, Indian and Asian selections, not to mention the enormous fresh seafood display.

COLONY 3/F THE RITZ-CARLTON, MILLENIA SINGAPORE, 7 RAFFLES AVE., 64345288, WWW.RITZCARLTON.COM. $$ The site of the old Greenhouse does a

| SG EATS 2017

Don’t miss the crayfish thermidor and the Peranakan staples here. They also do themed buffets, like the seafood-leaning Hooked@Edge on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and the lavish Veuve Cliquot brunch on Sundays.

CAROUSEL

FLAVOURS AT ZHONGSHAN PARK RAMADA SINGAPORE AT ZHONGSHAN PARK, 16 AH HOOD RD., 6808-6846, WWW.RAMADASINGAPORE.COM. $ Specializing in a “hawkerlicious” buffet, Flavours serves a rotation of stuff like Hokkien mee and black pepper crab, along with laksa and lok lok stations and local desserts. On weekends, there’s also seafood on ice and Asian burgers.

LIME 1/F PARKROYAL ON PICKERING, 3 UPPER PICKERING ST., 6809-8899, WWW.PARKROYALHOTELS.COM. $$

LINE

Nothing like a weekday lunch at this sundrenched spot. With three open kitchens and a big focus on Asian cooking, the buffet’s highlights are the Indian and Peranakan dishes. The Sunday brunch comes with Champagne, a chocolate fountain and a sangria cart.

THE LINE LOWER LOBBY, TOWER WING, SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, 22 ORANGE GROVE RD., 6213-4275, WWW.SHANGRI-LA.COM. $$-$$$ An enduring legend with a whopping 16 theater kitchens, they whip up Japanese, Chinese, Western and Indian dishes, along with fresh seafood and dessert. On Tuesday and Thursday nights, you can try the seafood-themed Marine Harvest, and the Champagne brunch on Sundays.

BASILICO

ONE-NINETY FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, 190 ORCHARD BLVD., 6831-7250, WWW.FOURSEASONS.COM This swanky option is great for when you want a hotel spread, but also want a cozy vibe. The market fresh semi-buffet changes often, but is a mix of Italian and Asian. Top up and get an entree to go with the buffet—choose from 20 options!

COLONY

We love those meaty buns

RELISH

It was a shaky year for burgers in Singapore. Trendy places like Meatliquor and affordable go-tos such as Butcher’s Club Burger, Charcoal Pit and Deburg closed their doors. But not only are the classic stalwarts going strong, they have been joined by places we now count among our favorites—the cheap and cheerful cheeseburger at Burger Joint goes so well with their 18-tap selection of craft beer, and homegrown Wildfire expanded to Orchard Road—proving that while burger places may come and go, burgers are forever.

BURGERS

meats and seafood. Beef chuck burgers aside, they also do cod, chicken and portobello burgers. Beef eaters would be well-advised to get the blue cheese burger with sweet onion marmalade.

OVEREASY BAR & DINER #01-06 ONE FULLERTON, 1 FULLERTON RD., 6684-1453, WWW.OVEREASY.COM.SG. $-$$ This American-style diner takes its burgers seriously. Try their signature To Die For, a wagyu chuck blend patty with their homemade burger sauce. Pro tip: while their house fries are good, we love upgrading to the sweet potato fries.

POTATO HEAD FOLK 36 KEONG SAIK RD., 6327-1939, WWW.PTTHEAD.COM. $-$$ The ground floor is home to Three Buns, with window service and outdoor seating—perfect for watching Keong Saik shenanigans while you chomp on one of their 10 burger options, such as the Burning Man, with dashi mayo and jalapeno relish, or the Rambo, with a lamb patty, feta and eggplant pickles.

RELISH BY WILD ROCKET BURGER JOINT

NEW

#01-03 115 AMOY ST., 6221-8648, WWW.BURGERJOINTNY.COM. $-$$

HARD ROCK CAFE

When we can’t deal with Amoy Street pretensions, we pull back the velvet curtains and retreat into this woodpaneled, low-ceilinged reprieve. With nearly a dozen branches around the world, they still manage to win our hearts with their delicious and affordable burgers and a wall of craft beers on tap.

HARD ROCK CAFE S P O N S O R E D #02-01/03-01 HPL HOUSE, 50 CUSCADEN RD., 6235-5232, WWW.HARDROCK.COM. $

OVEREASY BAR & DINER

The flagship Singapore outlet of the renowned chain is decked out in music memorabilia and plays host to rock bands and live acts from time to time. Tuck into hearty, all-American meals here—think ribs, burgers and steaks. You can always be sure to find old favorites like their bacon and cheese wagyu burger and hickory-smoked ribs.

THE MARKET GRILL 208 TELOK AYER ST., 6221-3323, WWW.THEMARKETGRILL.COM.SG. $$$ THE MARKET GRILL

In the kitchen of the bustling industrial space is executive chef Colin West who puts out a menu of juicy burgers, grilled

#02-01 CLUNY COURT, 501 BUKIT TIMAH RD., 6763-1547, WWW.WILDROCKET.COM.SG. $ Celebrity chef Willin Low’s original casual brunch and burger joint is still going strong. Work up an appetite with a stroll through the Botanic Gardens, then refuel with international burgers such as the barbecue char siew pork open burger and the blue cheese and poached pear beef burger. Also try their Parmesan wings.

TWO BLUR GUYS #01-13 ORCHID HOTEL, 1 TRAS LINK, 6636-4183. WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ TWOBLURGUYS. $ With the closing of Deburg, we have rediscovered the super-casual but solid pleasures of Two Blur Guys. Get the Prime Rib Burger with Gruyere cheese, or, if you’re not into red meat, there’s the grilled chicken burger with Asian spices, and other non-beef options.

WILDFIRE KITCHEN + BAR 26 EVANS RD., 6734-2080. OPEN DAILY 8:30AM-10:30PM. We loved Wildfire’s original branch on Evans Road, serving delicious, honest burgers alongside a long list of bottled craft beers at some nice happy hour prices. And though they’ve expanded to 313@somerset, they’re still doing a great job: their triple bacon burger won the Asia Burger Challenge last year.

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DELIVERY

It’s getting hard to leave the house

With the arrival of big-name competitors, Foodpanda also stepped up its game, expanding its fleet, promising to deliver in 30 minutes and creating new partnerships with restaurants such as Nando’s and The Soup Spoon. They even have a small selection of places open 24 hours a day.

HONESTBEE NO PHONE NUMBER, WWW.HONEST BEE.SG

BOTTLESXO

Our desire to leave the house took a big hit last year with the arrival of Deliveroo and, soon after, UberEats, each outdoing the other with cooler and cooler restaurants and reliable service. Incumbents such as Foodpanda upped their game in response, and local startups like Honestbee expanded their services. Booze and coffee deliveries soon followed, and the result is a delivery landscape that ensures you can throw a party any night of the week with zero prep—just lots of cash.

BOTTLESXO 6635-2695, WWW.BOTTLESXO.COM What could be better than ordering some affordable wines (and some beers) on an app and having them delivered chilled in less than 60 minutes? You can even track your delivery in real time on the app.

DELIVEROO

They started out by doing your grocery shopping, but now drop off your laundry, shop for hardware supplies and pick up beer and wine—working with partners from NTUC Fairprice to Thirsty. There’s a nice personal element, where your shopper calls if one of your items is out of stock. Delivery is within a couple hours.

PERK 8627-2918, WWW.PERKCOFFEE.SG Perk sources ethical beans from Africa, South America and Asia and hand roasts them in small batches here. Orders come by mail within two or three days of roasting, ground to your preference.

THE PROOF FLAT 8228-0113, WWW.ECPROOF.COM This gorgeous retail shop stocks everything you need to have a world-class bar at home—with an e-commerce option that delivers top-shelf mezcals, tequilas, absinthes, gins, vermouths and more.

6261-3456, WWW.REDMART.COM With their own storehouse, this online hypermart offers not just fresh fruit, veggies, meats and breads, but also beauty products, booze and even home appliances. The site delivers daily from 10am-10pm (usually next-day).

RYAN’S GROCERY 6463-3933, WWW.RYANSGROCERY. COM

UBEREATS WWW.UBEREATS.COM

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THE PROOF FL AT

Specializing in organic and free-range meat cuts, this online butcher also carries marinated meats like organic beef roast with herbs, chili and garlic, for those who are pulling together a last-minute dinner party. It’s free for orders above $100.

This service has revolutionized our lives with its list of excellent restaurants and delivery within 40 minutes on most days. We appreciate the real-time updates, too.

6589-8669, WWW.FOODPANDA.SG

HONESTBEE

RED MART

3163-5199, WWW.DELIVEROO.COM.SG

FOODPANDA

RYAN ’S GROCERY

UberEats links your existing Uber account so you can order from places like Shiraz, Motorino and Barrio by MexOut, as well as some of our local favorites like Ayam Penyet President and Nyonya and Baba. Their heartland coverage leaves a bit to be desired, though.

FOODPANDA

Divinely delicious

We assume you already know about the legendary halalfriendly Malay restaurants. But from Kampong Glam to Changi to Toa Payoh, Singapore is studded with adorable cafes, international buffets, Swedish eateries and even taquerias that are also halal-certified. These are the ones to try. AFTERWIT

FIX

FIKA CAFE 257 BEACH RD., 6396-9096, WWW.FACEBOK.COM/FIKACAFESG. $ This Swedish bistro has the Scandinavian works, down to the minimalist Ikea-esque furniture. On the menu are favorites like Swedish meatballs, tunnbrodsrulle which involves classic Swedish thin bread rolls with mashed potatoes, grilled sausage and crispy shallots, as well as Swedish pancakes and crepes.

FIX

4/F MARINA MANDARIN SINGAPORE, 6 RAFFLES BLVD., 6845-1111, WWW.MERITUSHOTELS.COM. $$

#01-06 HOME TEAM NS-JOM CLUBHOUSE, 31 AH HOOD RD., 62561484, WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/FIXSG. $

Marina Mandarin’s daily lunch and dinner halal brunch buffet restaurant covers both Asian and international dishes. This 180-seater restaurant with nautical cues is where you can tuck in at halal-certified Chinese, Japanese and Indian food stations, with highlights like their roasted duck, chili crab and prawn tempura.

This alfresco, poolside cafe in Toa Payoh is halal-certified, super leafy and pretty and all items on their new menu are below $20. It has the whole industrial look with exposed ceilings and Edison bulbs, too, and on the menu are pastas, sandwiches and decadent starters like the must-have salted egg yolk fries.

AFTERWIT SG

LA MARELLE

778 NORTH BRIDGE RD., 6299-3508, WWW.AFTERWIT.SG. $

25A BAGHDAD ST., 8822-8536, WWW. FACEBOOK.COM/LAMARELLECAFE. $

Not a hipster cafe, not a nasi padang stall and not an international buffet, Afterwit by the people behind Working Title is an industrial-looking, Mexican-leaning, halal joint with some pretty unusual offerings: beef dendeng tacos, lime butter crab tacos, nasi lemak burritos and, for brunch, crab tortas and huevos rancheros.

Cute, colorful, knick-knacky interiors aside, this cafe does all the simple pleasures: all-day breakfast, a wide selection of panini, burgers and sandwiches and lots more. There’s even a tea time set, where you can choose from pastries like banana bread, homemade scones and other Instagrammable delights.

#01-01 34 ARAB ST., 6291-4252, WWW.ALLTHINGSDELICIOUS.SG. $ This cafe has brightened things up with its new space right in the heart of Arab Street. Unlike many Instagrammable halal cafes, the menu here goes beyond the usual sandwiches and pastas and delivers some pretty exciting dishes: crab cakes with a soft-boiled egg, smashed avo on sourdough, soy-glazed salmon rice bowls and shakshouka on the weekends.

BADOQUE FIKA CAFE

This cozy bistro in Bedok with an alfresco area has a loyal following. There are halal versions of Greek and Mediterranean dishes mixed with an Asian touch. Highlights include lamb ribs bamia served with spiced tomato rice, seafood aglio olio, beef ribs, crab pasta and Badoque lamb shank. Plus, it’s got iced drinks like salted caramel, and there’s a second outlet in Upper Thomson.

AQUAMARINE

ALL THINGS DELICIOUS ALL THINGS DELICIOUS

HALAL

OLIVYE CAFE #01-2009 BLK 5 CHANGI VILLAGE RD., 6543-9518, WWW.OLIVYE.COM. $ While some of our favorite halal cafes are in Kampong Glam, this one out in Changi Village has quite a following, too, thanks in no small part to its extensive gelato selection, with interesting flavors like blood orange, bandung, Horlicks and more. The savory menu is simple, but extensive: pastas like turkey bacon aglio olio, fish and chips and teriyaki chicken.

SIMPANG BEDOK, 298 BEDOK RD., 6446-6928, WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ BADOQUECAFESG. $

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HEALTHY LUNCHES

Lean, green and awesome

honest, unadulterated cooking and the new dishes at the two Singapore branches promise wholesome big flavors: Paris mushroom fritti with homemade garlic mayo, ethically sourced baked salmon with lemony ricotta and roasted veggies, to name a couple.

KITCHEN BY FOOD REBEL 28 STANLEY ST., 6224-7088, WWW.FOODREBELSG.COM. $

A POKE THEORY

When a hip and happening date night spot like Open Door Policy goes dairy- and gluten-free, you know that wholesome eating is no longer a niche thing just for dieters and vegetarians. Sexy salad options, grain bowl purveyors and the now-ubiquitous poke bowls are everywhere. These are the ones to try.

This organic CBD spot offers lots of gluten- and dairy-free options among internationally influenced dishes like barramundi with Asian greens and the chili padi chicken sandwich. They do an organic French wine happy hour, too.

JAMIE’S ITALIAN

THE MARMALADE PANTRY S P O N S O R E D #03-22 ION ORCHARD, 2 ORCHARD TURN, 6734-2700, WWW.THEMARMALADEPANTRY.COM.SG With branches in the CBD, Orchard and Novena, this is a great spot for a bistrostyle lunch. Try their hearty, healthy salads, like the spinach and kale with red pepper pesto, and the baked snapper. For a cheat day, don’t miss the minute steak sandwich and their exotic cupcakes such as chocolate cake with William pear.

GRAIN TRADERS

PLENTYFULL #01-79/80 MILLENIA WALK, 9 RAFFLES BLVD.,6493-2997, WWW.PLENTYFULL.COM. $

A POKE THEORY 27 BOON TAT ST., NO PHONE NUMBER, WWW.APOKETHEORY.COM. $ There are tons of poke places now, but we are in love with the perky and balanced bowls here. Choose a base like sushi rice and lemon herb quinoa, pile it with raw fish like shoyu tuna and jazz up your bowl with nori flakes, tobiko and other touches.

GRAIN TRADERS #01-01/02/03 CAPITAGREEN, 138 MARKET ST., 6348-6559, WWW.GRAIN-TRADERS.COM. $ Now with two branches, this grain bowls place serves signature bowls alongside a mix and match option, with a variety of proteins and veggies. Try the El Hibaro (striploin, salsa verde, wafu tomato).

JAMIE’S ITALIAN

SPONSORED

#01-01/04 FORUM SHOPPING MALL, 583 ORCHARD R., WWW.JAMIESITALIAN. SG. $-$$ Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean eating like an ascetic. Celeb chef Jamie Oliver has been famous for his simple,

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Dishes here are prepared from scratch, using preservative-free ingredients, many sourced directly from local producers. It’s a point-and-order system at lunch, and a la carte at dinner. The menu changes, but expect Thai-roasted chicken with red cabbage salad and vegetable dips.

REAL FOOD SOUTH BEACH #B1-19 SOUTH BEACH TOWER, 26 BEACH RD., 6384-2206, WWW.REALFOODGROCER.COM. $

KITCHEN BY FOOD REBEL

The vegan cafe at The Central now has an upscale outlet in Beach Road’s new hotel complex. Try the rosemary and garlic hash brown; pasta with oil of oregano, veggie balls made out of beet and chickpea, and the barley mushroom burger.

SPROUT SALAD BAR 41 DUXTON RD., 6221-1227, WWW.EATATSPROUT.COM. $ They serve droolsome salads and grain bowls with your choice of quinoa, mixed brown rice or soba noodles. Try the Moroccan chicken bowl with spinach, toasted almonds and more. Save room for the strawberry Earl Grey egglet waffle.

THE MARMALADE PANTRY

HIPSTER HAWKERS

It doesn’t need to be fancy to be cool

this hawker center coffee spot serves butter pecan latte or a sea salt mint latte, To eat, get the Earl Grey toast

THE COCONUT CLUB 6 ANN SIANG HILL, 6635-2999, WWW.THECOCONUTCLUB.SG. $ This Instagrammable kopitiam of Ann Siang Hill dishes out premium nasi lemak, made with MAWA coconuts, northeastern Thai jasmine rice, Malaysian ikan bilis and chicken. Top up with the otak otak.

DAY & NIGHT 3RD CULTURE BREWING CO.

Elevated versions of Singaporean classics aren’t anything new, but in recent months we saw an obsessive focus on individual dishes that got us pretty excited: from nasi lemak specialist The Coconut Club to wanton mee fetishists Wanton Seng’s Noodle Bar. Smith Street Taps finally got some hawker craft beer competition in the form of 3rd Culture Brewing Company, and the atas kopitiam at Bukit Merah Lane got blown out of the water with the arrival of Timbre+.

#01-46 56 ENG HOON ST., 6222-6881, WWW.DAYANDNIGHTBISTRO.COM. $-$$

GARCONS EXPRESS

This kopitiam turns into a cozy Italian joint by night, with a self-service counter where you can order pizzas, burgers and pastas like vongole and tom yam. Wash it down with their bottled beers.

GARCONS EXPRESS #01-37 TIMBRE+, 73A AYER RAJAH CRES., 6252-2545, WWW.TIMBREPLUS. SG. $ Their Immanuel Kitchen at the Bukit Merah Lane kopitiam is an original hipster hawker, but Garcons Express is even better. Try their homemade charcuterie platters and duck leg confit.

A NOODLE STORY

A NOODLE STORY #01-39, AMOY STREET FOOD CENTRE, 7 MAXWELL RD., 9027-6289, WWW. FACEBOOK.COM/ANOODLESTORY A hip hawker specializing in Singaporestyle ramen, the culinary school graduates here serve fixings like sous vide char siew, HK-style wanton, potatowrapped prawn and more.

SMITH STREET TAPS 3RD CULTURE BREWING CO. #01-33 MAXWELL FOOD CENTRE, 1 KADAYANALLUR ST., WWW.FACEBOOK. COM/3RDCULTUREBREWINGCO. $ There’s now a craft beer stall at Maxwell. The 12-tap selection changes often, but they’ve stocked Yeastie Boys and Tiny Rebel, among others. Best part: Tian Tian chicken rice is nearby.

COFFEE BREAK #02-78 AMOY STREET FOOD CENTRE, 7 MAXWELL RD., 8100-6218, WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PG/ COFFEEBREAKAMOYSTREET. $ It has been in operation for decades, but

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#02-062 CHINATOWN COMPLEX, 335 SMITH ST., 9430-2750, WWW. FACEBOOK.COM/SMITHSTREETTAPS

THE COCONUT CLUB

Our enduring favorite place for giant pints of craft beer from Japan, the UK, Hawaii and elsewhere, and that too for under $15. Pro tip: the Michelin-starred HK Soya Sauce Noodle stall is a few doors down.

WANTON SENG’S NOODLE BAR 52 AMOY ST., 6221-1336, WWW. WANTONSG.COM Wanton mee gets cool at Wanton Seng’s, with its wooden bartop and high-end ingredients. Mix and match your mee with honey-roasted char siew, and Batalong egg, among other yummy sides. There are craft beers and cocktails, too.

WANTON SENG

The enduring cure for a never-ending summer

ICE CREAM

ISLAND CREAMERY

SUNDAY FOLKS

Korean and Japanese soft serve places may be proliferating in town, but the big ice cream winners are homegrown brands. Not only did heartland veterans expand downtown, such as Creamier, specialty gelato makers Birds of Paradise wowed us with their pretty marketing collateral and pop-ups and their cute cafe in Katong. Over at Holland Village, the already-popular Sunday Folks expanded their offerings and became one of the most Instagrammable places in town.

#01-03 SERENE CENTRE, 10 JLN SERENE, 6468-8859, WWW.ISLANDCREAMERY.COM. $ It’s a bit further flung, but they’ve got local palates in mind with flavors including pineapple tart, kopi, teh tarik and pulut hitam. Be sure to shake on heaps of Horlicks and Milo powder for an extra sugar hit. For boozehounds, there’s even Tiger beer sorbet and Kahlua latte.

NEH NEH POP 161 MIDDLE RD., NO PHONE NUMBER, WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/NEHNEHPOPSG. $ Though Bjorn Shen’s gourmet creamsicles are stocked at several places around town now, we love getting ours at the Artichoke kiosk. Flavors we’re currently in love with include Notella, with hazelnut, chocolate ice cream and praline ganache, and the Cha Cha, with a molasses center and a matcha shell with sesame seeds.

SUNDAY FOLKS BIRDS OF PARADISE #01-05 63 EAST COAST RD., 9678-6092, WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BOPGELATO. $ Singapore’s new gelato maker has won hearts with delicate, unusual flavors like the white chrysanthemum with cacao nibs, spiced pear and strawberry basil. Their environmentally-conscious, brickand-mortar cafe in Katong is equally great—painted in pastel colors and plastered with floral and bird motifs.

NEH NEH POP

CREAMIER 5A LOCK RD., 6262-1087, WWW.CREAMIER.COM.SG. $

BIRDS OF PAR ADISE

The Gillman Barracks outlet of this homegrown ice cream brand is packed on the weekends, thanks to its rotating selection of 18 handcrafted ice cream flavors that are made from scratch daily. Try premium flavors like the roasted pistachio or local flavors like the sea salt gula melaka. There are waffles, too.

THE DAILY SCOOP #01-04 CLEMENTI ARCADE, 41 SUNSET WAY, 6463-3365, WWW.THEDAILYSCOOP.COM.SG. $

UDDERS

This veteran, egg-free ice cream chain offers made-fresh-daily, all-natural ice creams. Fans of local flavors will appreciate their seasonal Mao Shan Wang flavor and the OKAYALah, with kaya flavors. Don’t miss their boozy offerings either, like the lychee martini and the cherry brandy.

#01-52 44 JALAN MERAH SAGA, 64799166, WWW.SUNDAYFOLKS.COM. $ Chip Bee Gardens’ beloved ice cream shop has grown: homemade premium ice creams such as roasted pistachio aside, they do everything from waffle cones, cheesecakes, delicate sundaes and, most recently, chocolates and chocolate truffles, too.

TOM’S PALETTE #01-25 SHAW LEISURE GALLERY, 100 BEACH RD., 6296-5239, WWW.TOMSPALETTE.COM.SG. $ This modest little place in Shaw Leisure Gallery has been making fresh ice cream daily since 2005, and still has some of the most interesting flavors around: lychee and white wine, oolong tea and chrysanthemum, saffron and vanilla, and dozens more. Look out especially for their seasonal specials. They also do ice cream making classes.

UDDERS 155 THOMPSON RD., 6254-6629, WWW.UDDERS.COM.SG. $ With five branches around the city, including Siglap and Upper Thomson, this homegrown ice cream parlor is all about all-natural ingredients, ice cream batches and a focus on locally inspired and boozy flavors. Try the gula melaka option with nuggets of chewy attap chee, the spiked orange chocolate bitters and the Baileys and bourbon.

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JAPANESE ENCLAVES

Why pick one dish when you can sample them all?

TANJONG PAGAR CENTRE 7 WALLICH ST. The hot new skyscraper has its own strip of Japanese restaurants, the most exciting of which is the relatively affordable bluefin tuna donburi place Kuro Maguro. Lovers of cute, check out the Japan Rail Cafe and bakery Hattendo.

EMPORIUM SHOKUHIN #01-18 MARINA SQUARE, 6 RAFFLES BLVD., 6224-3433, WWW.EMPORIUMSHOKUHIN.COM.SG

CHATER AISE PATISSERIE

Our love affair with Japanese food is no secret. Neither is Japanese food enclave Liang Court, or even Cuppage Plaza for that matter. But with the arrival of Japan Food Town nearly a year ago, clutches of Japanese restaurants all next to each other, preferably in a mall, became the hot dining trend of the year. Tanjong Pagar Centre and 100AM have followed suit, as have a couple other places. Here are our favorites, new and old.

Emporium Shokuhin is a gourmet grocer that sells live seafood and dry-aged beef with eight market-to-dining storefronts across 34,000 square feet. Check out seafood and wine bar uni+vino, ramen and gyoza bar Burosu Honten and yakiniku grill Gyuu+.

ISETAN SCOTTS MARKET SHAW HOUSE, 350 ORCHARD RD. 6733-1111, WWW.ISETAN.COM.SG After a major revamp, the space boasts minimalist interiors and an event stage showcasing Japanese products. The groceries are the main draw, but you can load up on premium bento boxes at WADining, udon and soba diner Dashi Bar, sake at Kaku-Uchi Sake Bar and cakes and pastries at Chateraise Patisserie.

30 VICTORIA ST. 6337-7810, WWW.CHIJMES.COM.SG The historic building underwent a facelift in 2014, and now there’s a Japanese food alley home to no less than 10 Japanese restaurants. We’re especially into aged sushi specialist Ashino, and traditional tonkotsu ramen by Ikkousha.

CUPPAGE PLAZA

#04-39/54 WISMA ATRIA SHOPPING CENTRE, 435 ORCHARD RD., WWW.JAPANFOODTOWN.SG.

5 KOEK RD., 6734-1413.

EAT AT SEVEN #03-310-316/307 SUNTEC CITY MALL, 3 TEMASEK BLVD., 6238-1630 Eat at Seven is the second sexiest enclave on this list, with high ceilings and plenty of light. Among the seven restaurants, don’t miss trawler-to-table specialist MaguroDonya Miuramisakikou Sushi & Dining and kuroge wagyu at yakiniku restaurant NikuNoHi.

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JAPAN FOOD TOWN

CHIJMES

JAPAN FOOD TOWN

With its wood paneling and spare foliage, Japan Food Town opened with regional Japanese delights at its 16 restaurants, all firsts from Japan. Highlights include Tsukiji market’s beloved Sushi Taketawa and udon specialist Inaniwa Yosuke.

KURO MAGURO

Before Japanese food enclaves got all sexy, there was this gem, surrounded by reflexology places and KTVs, and home to eateries like Azmaya Honten and its signature shabu shabu, yakitori at Kazu Sumiyaki and bar fare at Hanashizuku.

CHIJMES

NIHON FOOD STREET MILLENIA WALK, 9 RAFFLES BLVD., 6883-1122, WWW.MILLENIAWALK.COM Millenia Walk’s second-floor Japanese food street has plenty of affordable options: steaming bowls of ramen at Chabuton and Miharu Sapporo Ramen, and fresh premium thick cuts of sashimi at Teppei Syokudo, Tomi Sushi or Rakuzen. The latest addition is Tengawa, specializing in Hokkaido milk-based curry.

TENGAWA

A melting pot of deliciousness

HONG KONG SOYA SAUCE CHICKEN RICE & NOODLE

The inaugural edition of the Singapore Michelin Guide was the first in the world to award stars to hawker stalls: HK Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle and Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle. Whether or not you agree with the choices, the move reminded us of what we know already: the diversity of our local culinary legends is one of the best parts about eating out affordably in Singapore, whether it’s chicken rice or a fluffy idli. These are the ones that delight us over and over.

HAJJAH MAIMUNAH 11 JLN. PISANG, 6297-4294, WWW.HJMAIMUNAH.COM. $

NEW UBIN SEAFOOD

The famous caterer has a bustling, twostorey spot in the heart of Kampong Glam that dishes out sublime nasi padang fit for a wedding. Just point and order downstairs from their 40 or so kampongstyle dishes, and they’ll be brought to your table—inky, tender sotong hitam, beef rendang and ayam lemak.

HONG KONG SOYA SAUCE CHICKEN RICE & NOODLE 78 SMITH ST., 6272-2000, WWW. FACEBOOK.COM/PG/HONGKONGSOY SAUCECHICKENRICENOODLE. $

SAMY’S CURRY

One of the first Michelin-starred hawkers, Chan Hon Meng, has opened a bigger, air-conditioned spot across the street. So if you don’t want to queue for hours at Chinatown Food Centre, come here and use the automated ordering system and enjoy your soya sauce chicken rice, char siew rice and other roasted delights in relative comfort.

KOMALA VILAS 76-78 SERANGOON RD., 6293-6980, WWW.KOMALAVILAS.COM.SG. $

KOMALA VILAS

There’s no dearth of solid thosai in Little India, but we are staunch devotees of this over-70-year-old vegetarian establishment, which has two other branches in the hood. Often chaotic, Komala Vilas more than makes up

LOCAL LEGENDS for it with the food: the idlis are more pleasantly fermented than other places, as is the thosai batter, the accompanying chutneys are exquisite and the curries with set meals are delicious and homey.

NEW UBIN SEAFOOD 6/F 63 HILLVIEW AVE., 6466-9558, WWW.UBINSEAFOOD.COM. $ The progressive zi char restaurant that started life decades ago on Pulau Ubin, then refashioned itself into a bit of an institution that attracted chefs and foodies alike, New Ubin Seafood recently moved once again to yet another far-flung heartland, but that won’t stop its loyal following. They stock fancy seafood like Pacific oysters and Scottish mussels, but stick to the seafood classics like the prawn rolls and the oyster omelet.

POR KEE EATING HOUSE #01-02 69 SENG POH LN., 6221-0582. $$ There are several strong zi char contenders in Tiong Bahru, and there’s many a fan in the corner of Por Kee. The low-ceilinged indoor dining room is forever packed, as are the outdoor tables, the service is inconsistent and lackadaisical, but the food is outstanding. Get the champagne pork ribs, the fresh black pepper crab (they’ll bring you a live one to appraise first, of course) and the butter prawns.

SAMY’S CURRY 25 DEMPSEY RD., 6472-2080. $-$$ Established by the late M. Veerasamy in the ‘50s, this unpretentious and casual Indian eatery is pretty much an institution at Dempsey Hill for South Indian food lovers. Here, you’ll be dining on signatures like masala curry chicken, fish cutlet and fish head curry, all on banana leaves. The affable wait staff circle the floors with buckets of sides and rice, so if you’d like a top up, just raise your hand and you’ll have more food heaped on your plate.

WARONG NASI PARIAMAN 736/738 NORTH BRIDGE RD., 6292-2374, WWW.PARIAMAN.COM.SG. $ This is possibly the oldest family-run nasi padang stall in Singapore. Operating out of a corner unit with plenty of outdoor and semi-outdoor seating, they are known for their authentic dishes like beef rendang, ayam bakar, ikan bakar and sambal goreng. Be warned, though: they sell out fast.

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MEXICAN

Holy guacamole!

EL MERO MERO #01-20 CHIJMES, 30 VICTORIA ST., 6337-1377, WWW.ELMEROMERO.SG. $ This fancy spot does premium tacos with fillings like Kurobuta pork al pastor and tiger prawn tempura with coconut, mango and cabbage. Mains like the NZ ribeye and Atlantic grilled octopus are fired up in the Josper grill. Don’t miss their mezcals, and Mexican-leaning signature cocktails.

MUCHACHOS 22 KEONG SAIK RD., 6220-0458, WWW. FACEBOOK.COM/MUCHACHOS.SG. $ VATOS URBAN TACOS

Singapore’s Mexican food scene may not have had any shockwaves over the past 12 months, but like a good habanero, it was a slow-building burn: Mex Out and Vatos Urban Tacos expanded their empires, everyone suddenly became privy to what a mezcal margarita was and Super Loco pulled out all the stops for its gorgeous (though still party-forward) second branch at Customs House. Here’s where you should be getting your tacos and margaritas.

They’ve got a make-your-own taco concept that lets you pick your favorite salsas, proteins and carbs. They also whip up tasty burrito bowls and quesadillas. Pair your meal with a side of tortilla chips and a chilled bottle of Jarritos soda to wash it all down with.

EL MERO MERO

PIEDRA NEGRA 241 BEACH RD., 6291-1297, WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PIEDRA. NEGRA.HAJI.LANE. $ Haji Lane’s most colorful restaurant is the go-to place for Day of the Dead parties. Tacos aside, chef Leo Munoz serves some unusual dishes like the cactus salad and the plantain-stuffed habanero peppers.

PIEDRA NEGRA

SENOR TACO #01-12 3D RIVER VALLEY RD., 6336-6376, WWW.SENORTACO.SG. $ Also located in Orchard Towers, this nofrills place with its energy is one of our favorite spots for affordable margaritas. Tacos are the big draw here, served in soft corn tortillas, though there are some hearty enchiladas and quesadillas, too.

SUPER LOCO BARRIO BY MEX OUT #01-14/15 313@SOMERSET, 313 ORCHARD RD., 6634-2102, WWW.MEXOUT.COM. $ Mex Out expanded with a fuller menu at its Barrio concept, which now has a branch in VivoCity, too. Tacos, burritos and burrito bowls aside, there are tortas like the chili cheese burger.

GUZMAN Y GOMEZ #B1-07 CHEVRON HOUSE, 30 RAFFLES PLACE, 6532-1248, WWW.GYG.COM.SG. $ GYG has opened several branches, the latest at Tanjong Pagar Centre. They keep the menu simple: burritos, burrito bowls, tacos. Topping options include chipotle adobo pulled pork, garlic-lime fish, etc.

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#01-13 THE QUAYSIDE, 60 ROBERTSON QUAY, 6235-8900, WWW.SUPER-LOCO.COM. $$ We have an eternal soft spot for this stylish and bustling riverside joint, which serves not just elevated tacos, but snacks like elotes, tamarind-ancho pork ribs and mains like chicken enchiladas. Don’t miss the huevos rancheros at brunch.

GUZMAN Y GOMEZ

VATOS URBAN TACOS SOUTH BEACH, 36 BEACH RD., 6385-6010, WWW.VATOSSG.COM. $$ This franchise first opened at the fancy South Beach, and its claim to fame is Mexican food with a Korean twist—KoMex, if you will—very LA. Try the galbi tacos and the kimchi carnitas fries. And if you prefer your tacos in more casual climes, they have a kiosk at Timbre+.

BARRIO BY MEX OUT

Big flavors and lots of heritage

PERANAKAN BABA CHEWS

CANDLENUT

It’s been a big year for Peranakan cuisine. Celebrity chef Damian D’Silva may have closed both his legendary Immigrants Gastrobar and his stall at Timbre+, but Candlenut became the first Peranakan place to win a Michelin star, Nyonya doyenne Violet Oon opened two restaurants in relatively quick succession and both Tiong Bahru and Orchard got much-needed Peranakan establishments. Here are the new and the legendary.

CANDLENUT 17A DEMPSEY RD., 1800-304-2288, WWW.CANDLENUT.COM.SG. $$ Malcom Lee’s freshly Michelin-starred restaurant does seasonal communal degustation menus for dinner. Lee fuses innovation with the deep, robust and complex flavors of Nyonya cuisine passed down through his family, to create dishes like the tiger prawn lemak nanas and the snapper with black mangga sambal. ELLENBOROUGH MARKET CAFE

HOUSE OF PERANAKAN PETIT 42 ENG HOON ST., 6222-1719, WWW. HOUSEOFPERANAKAN.COM.SG. $

BABA CHEWS

A colorful foray into Tiong Bahru by Katong’s Peranakan Inn people, this small 30-seater restaurant serves affordable classics like otak otak, ngoh hiang, and mains like itek tim soup and babi assam made with sour plum and beanpaste. The dessert menu is extensive, with durian chendol and gula melaka sago pudding.

THE PERANAKAN #02-01 CLAYMORE CONNECT @ ORCHARD HOTEL, 422 ORCHARD RD., 6262-4428, WWW.THEPERANAKAN. COM. $$

VIOLET OON SINGAPORE

This is an old-world gem dishing out traditional Nyonya cuisine like buah keluak ayam and pig trotter pongteh. The highlights are the set menus: Tok Panjang, where signature items come in rattan baskets; a fancier six-course degustation (for six people); and omakase-style Chef’s Table with wine pairings.

#01-01 HOTEL INDIGO SINGAPORE KATONG, 86 EAST COAST RD., 6723-2025, WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ BABACHEWSSG. $$ It’s got a very exciting space—the Joo Chiat Police Station, built in 1938, part of the new Hotel Indigo in Katong. Technically it’s the hotel’s all-day dining place, but serves local delights with creative flair like the ayam buah keluak and foie gras tau kwa pau.

BLUE GINGER 97 TANJONG PAGAR RD., 6222-3928, WWW.BLUEGINGER.COM. $ Blue Ginger strikes a nice balance between hip and traditional, with its shop house space in Tanjong Pagar, date night vibes and pocket-friendly prices. Try the namesake ayam panggang Blue Ginger, grilled chicken with spices and coconut milk, and the Nyonya fish head curry.

PERAMAKAN 3/F KEPPEL CLUB, 10 BUKIT CHERMIN RD., 6377-2829, WWW.PERAMAKAN. COM. $ It’s not the most atmospheric of spots, but the food is pretty outstanding, with classic dishes like babi pongteh, ayam buah keluak and Nyonya chap chye. Go straight for the babi pongteh. It’s not too oily and is braised to perfection with a side of mushrooms for added aroma.

ELLENBOROUGH MARKET CAFE SWISSOTEL MERCHANT COURT, 20 MERCHANT RD., 6239-1848. $ This riverside restaurant does buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as an international and Asian a la carte menu. But the big draw is their selection of local and Peranakan fare, such as Nyonya laksa, black bean slipper lobster and babi pongteh. There are good vegetarian options, too.

VIOLET OON SINGAPORE 881 BUKIT TIMAH RD., 9834-9935, WWW.VIOLETOON.COM. $$ Despite more pan-Singaporean offerings this year, Oon’s revamped venture in Bukit Timah still specializes squarely in Peranakan food. The black-and-white space is now interspersed with colorful Peranakan tiles and classic bistro furniture—fine environs to tuck into pong tau hu soup, ngoh hiang, kueh pie tee, udang goreng chili, dry laksa and buah keluak noodles.

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RAMEN

Try not to slurp with satisfaction—we dare you

menu are rich, warming bowls of noodles such as shiromaru motoaji—featuring their classic tonkotsu broth—as well as karakamen, spicy noodle soup.

KANSHOKU RAMEN #01-18 THE METROPOLIS, 9 NORTH BUONA VISTA DR., 6684-4033, WWW.KANSHOKURAMEN.COM. $ This Singaporean-owned expanding empire does tonkotsu- and shoyu-based broths paired with straight Hakata-style noodles. Try their exciting black truffle ramen, which takes 12 hours to make. BUTA R AMEN

For a time, the Ramen Champion offshoots were the apex of good ramen in town, along with long standing favorites such as Santouka and Sanpoutei. In recent months, though, we’ve seen an exciting new trend of sexy, millennial ramen options, including Tokyo’s Michelin-starred Tsuta at Wheelock Place. Then there’s Ippudo’s chicken stock, New York off shoot Kuro-Obi, not to mention exciting fusion takes by Singaporean restaurateurs such as Kanshoku.

BUTA RAMEN #01-04 FAR EAST SQUARE, 137 AMOY ST., NO PHONE NUMBER, WWW.BUTARAMEN.COM. $$

KURO - OBI

K ANSHOKU R AMEN

NEW

#B2-54/55 MARINA BAY SANDS, 2 BAYFRONT AVE., 6688-7064, WWW.IPPUDO.COM.SG. $ Ippudo’s quick-service Kuro-Obi is the first outpost outside New York, specializing in chicken-based tori-paitan. Try their signature Kuro-Obi ramen. You can customize the noodle doneness and the soup concentration.

MARUTAMA RAMEN #03-90/91 THE CENTRAL, 6 EU TONG SEN ST., 6534-8090, WWW. MARUTAMARAMEN.COM. $ Before Kuro-Obi, Marutama had the monopoly on chicken-based ramen with four branches around town. Try the aka ramen, with seven kinds of crushed nuts in a spicy soup, and pair it with gyoza.

RAMEN SANTOUKA #02-76 THE CENTRAL, 6 EU TONG SEN ST., 6224-0668, WWW.SANTOUKA.CO.JP/EN/. $ Nothing like starting out the night by first grabbing a table at this cozy Hokkaido ramen specialist almost always mobbed with a queue. Their signature dish, among the four soup bases, is the tokusen toroniku shio ramen. KURO - OBI

SANPOUTEI RAMEN #01-01 253 HOLLAND AVE., 6463-7277, WWW.SANPOUTEI.SG. $

This non-traditional ramen joint specializes in rich Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen. The grilled, marinated pork ribs and rich tonkotsu broth in their signature Boss Rib ramen is a recipe for delight. Get a side of the kakuni buns to go with.

This stylish but casual ramen shop’s claim to fame is its complex fish stock for the shoyu ramen. Don’t worry, they have tonkotsu options, too.

IPPUDO

#01-01 PACIFIC PLAZA, 9 SCOTTS RD., 6734-4886, WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ TSUTASINGAPORE

#04-02 MANDARIN GALLERY , 333A ORCHARD RD., 6235-2797, WWW.IPPUDO.COM.SG. $-$$ Hakata-style ramen joint Ippudo is showing no signs of slowing down, opening lots of new branches. On the

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R AMEN SANTOUK A

TSUTA SINGAPORE

NEW

Tsuta has a special recipe for everything from the dashi to the noodles. Try the shio soba, which consists of a blend of chicken and seafood, rock salt, red wine and rosemary.

TSUTA SINGAPORE

INDEX #

3rd Culture Brewing Company.....18

Camp Kilo Charcoal Club................. 8

Garcons Express.................................18

Candlenut.............................................23

Grain Traders........................................16

Chijmes..................................................20

Guzman y Gomez..............................22

Coastes.................................................... 9

A Poke Theory.....................................16 Afterwit SG...........................................15 Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall................... 6 All Things Delicious...........................15 Aquamarine..........................................15 Artichoke.............................................. 10

The Coconut Club..............................18 Common Man Coffee Roasters... 10 Crackerjack.......................................... 10 Creamier.................................................19 Cuppage Plaza...................................20

Hajjah Maimunah................................ 21 Hard Rock Cafe................................... 13 Honestbee.............................................14 Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle...................................... 21 House of Peranakan Petit..............23

I Ippudo....................................................24 A POKE THEORY

B Baba Chews.........................................23 Badoque.................................................15 Barrio by Mex Out.............................22 Birds of Paradise................................19 Bitters & Love........................................ 6

THE COCONUT CLUB

Iskina Cebu............................................. 8

D The Daily Scoop..................................19 Dean & Deluca.................................... 10 Decker Barbecue................................. 8 Deliveroo................................................14

Burger Joint.......................................... 13

Eat at Seven.........................................20

Buta Ramen.........................................24

El Mero Mero.......................................22 Ellenborough Market Cafe............23 Emporium Shokuhin.........................20

F Fat Prince................................................ 8 BARRIO BY MEX OUT

Island Creamery..................................19

Day & Night...........................................18

BottlesXO..............................................14

Blue Ginger..........................................23

Isetan Scotts Market........................20

Fika Cafe................................................15 Fix.............................................................15 FOC Sentosa......................................... 9

ISETAN SCOTTS MARKET

J Jamieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Italian..................................16 Japan Food Town..............................20

K Kanshoku Ramen..............................24 Kitchen by Food Rebel....................16 Komala Vilas......................................... 21 Kuro-Obi...............................................24

Foodpanda............................................14

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INDEX L

The Lokal.............................................. 10

Peramakan...........................................23

Tanjong Beach Club........................... 9

The Peranakan....................................23

Tanjong Pagar Centre......................20

Phat Cat Laundry................................ 6

Tom’s Palette....................................19

Mambo..................................................... 9 La Marelle..............................................15 The Marmalade Pantry.....................16 Marutama Ramen..............................24 Meat Smith............................................. 8

Piedra Negra....................................... 22

Tsuta Singapore.................................24

Plentyfull................................................16

Two Blur Guys...................................... 13

Por Kee Eating House....................... 21 Potato Head Folk................................ 13 The Proof Flat......................................14

Muchachos...........................................22

Myra’s Beach Club.............................. 9

Real Food South Beach...................16

Morsels................................................... 10

Red Eye Smokhouse.......................... 8 Red Mart.................................................14 Red Tail.................................................... 6 Relish by Wild Rocket...................... 13 Ryan’s Grocery....................................14 MORSELS

S Salted & Hung....................................... 8

Samy’s Curry........................................ 21

Native....................................................... 6 Neh Neh Pop........................................19 New Ubin Seafood............................. 21 Nihon Food Street............................20 Nutmeg & Clove................................... 6

Sandbank...........................................9

TSUTA SINGAPORE

U UberEats................................................14 Udders....................................................19

V Vatos Urban Tacos............................22 Violet Oon Singapore......................23

Sanpoutei Ramen..............................24 Senor Taco........................................... 22 Skirt........................................................... 8 Sprout Salad Bar................................16 Sunday Folks........................................19 Super Loco........................................... 22 VIOLET OON SINGAPORE

Ola Beach Club..................................... 9

Olivye Cafe............................................15 Open Door Policy.............................. 10

The Warehouse.................................... 6

Oriole Coffee + Bar........................... 10

Warong Nasi Pariaman.................... 21

Overeasy Bar & Diner.......................13 SALTED & HUNG

| SG EATS 2017

Wildfire Kitchen & Bar...................... 13